This document is offered as a legislative model to the states for consideration when addressing the controversy over "opening adoption records." It is the result of an intensive review of existing legislation and approaches concerning "open records" and the creation of adoption "registries." Title I of the model act includes general provisions, i.e., the policy and purposes of the act, definitions of terms, maintenance of records, prohibited conduct, nondisclosure, and rule making. Title II concerns the establishment, use, and operation of the mutual consent voluntary adoption registry. Three options are given for establishing a registry: (1) public agency and private agency cooperation; (2) creation of a new corporation to operate the registry; and (3) public agency operation of the registry. The section on operation of the registry includes provisions on disclosing identifying information, counseling users of the registry, matching and disclosure procedures, retention of data, scope of information obtained, and fees for operations. Title III concerns the compilation and disclosure of nonidentifying information on health history and social and genetic history, the repeal of existing law, and the effective date of the act. (CB)

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